WWII Catapult Found: A Forgotten Innovation in England's History

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a group of researchers in England has unearthed a relic from World War II that remained hidden for decades. This incredible find sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of wartime innovation: a catapult designed to launch bomber planes. Located in Oxfordshire in southeastern England, this historic device, known as the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Mark III Catapult, was engineered to save warplane fuel and reduce the need for long runways. While it was never used in action, its legacy in catapult technology remains significant.

The Forgotten Catapult

Constructed between 1938 and 1940, the RAE Mark III Catapult was a bold experiment in aviation technology. It was intended to address the pressing needs of wartime aviation, primarily reducing the fuel consumption of warplanes and shortening the length of required runways. The Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) notes that this catapult was a prototype, which was never employed during World War II. Instead, it was buried in 1941, and a conventional runway was built over it.

A digital reconstruction of a WWII-era plane on the catapult. (Image credit: © MOLA)

Despite its lack of practical use, the catapult represented an important step in the evolution of catapult systems. The RAE Mark III Catapult's design laid the foundation for subsequent developments in aviation technology, including the 1941 catapult aircraft merchant (CAM) ship. These ships played a crucial role in launching warplanes from the decks of ships, an invaluable asset in naval warfare. The catapult's excavation provides a fascinating glimpse into the rapid experimentation and innovation that characterized the interwar years and World War II. The project officer at MOLA, Susan Porter, emphasized the importance of recording every detail of the catapult, ensuring that its legacy is preserved for future generations.

A digital reconstruction showing plane on the catapult track. (Image credit: © MOLA)

Catapult's Design and Function

The excavated catapult was an intricate piece of engineering. Its primary components included a large circular pit measuring 98 feet in width, topped by a turntable. The turntable was designed to direct aircraft towards two concrete track runways, each only 269 feet in length. This was a stark contrast to modern runways for planes under 200,000 pounds, which typically require a length of at least 6,000 feet.

The catapult's mechanism involved attaching warplanes to an underground pneumatic ram using a towing hook. Twelve Rolls-Royce Kestrel aeroengines, situated beneath the turntable, would compress air to drive the ram. This highly pressurized air would then be forced into the pneumatic ram, causing it to rapidly expand, effectively catapulting the large bomber planes into the sky. However, the prototype failed to perform as intended, primarily due to compatibility issues with the bomber planes it was meant to launch.

Archaeologists excavating one of the catapult's arms. (Image credit: © MOLA)

After the War

Following the abandonment of the catapult and the conclusion of the war, the pit was repurposed to store radioactive waste, which has since been removed. Nevertheless, the catapult remained buried until the recent excavations at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

In addition to the catapult, other exciting discoveries were made during the excavation. These included a previously unknown gun emplacement designed to defend the runway from attacks, shedding light on the defensive strategies employed during wartime. Another runway, complete with runway lights, was found nearby, adding to the historical significance of the site.

Archaeologists excavate the gun emplacement. (Image credit: © MOLA)

The discovery of the RAE Mark III Catapult in England is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation during World War II. Although this particular invention was never employed, it served as a stepping stone for the development of catapult technology, which played a crucial role in launching warplanes from ships. The careful excavation and preservation of this artifact offer a valuable window into a forgotten chapter of England's wartime history, reminding us of the ingenuity and experimentation that defined this era.